Two Books-The Amaranth Enchantment, and Austenland

My first book is Austenland, by Shannon Hale. I'm actually surprised I never read it before now. So I decided to give it a try, because all other Shannon Hale books have been well-received by me.

I really liked this book. It was witty and charming, and very enjoyable. I discovered a side of the author I hadn't seen before. I liked the parallels to Pride and Prejudice, and I thought that the book was well-researched. 4 stars for being a witty and very entertaining book to read.

The Amaranth Enchantment is kind of a Cinderella-type story. Lucinda lives with her uncle and his wife, who fits the evil-stepmother archtypal perfectly. She's and orphan, and lives a miserable existance under her dominating aunt. But one day she has the chance to change it when two powerful people enter her uncle's jewelry store.
I found this book to be pretty entertaining, but I wasn't all that captured by the story. Maybe it was because of the age group it was aimed at? I'm not sure. But it really was a lovley story, and was quite funny at times. Good for passing time on a long trip. I give it 3.5 stars.

Any suggestions for books to read and review? And in the next two weeks I may not have much time for blogging because I'm going to start university in September so I have a lot of things to do to prepare.